The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is strengthening its recommendation on booster doses for individuals who are 18 years and older. Everyone ages 18 and older should get a booster shot either when they are 6 months after their initial Pfizer or Moderna series or 2 months after their initial J&J vaccine, according to CDC Director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky in a CDC release.
The recent emergence of the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters, and prevention efforts needed to protect against COVID-19. Early data from South Africa suggest increased transmissibility of the Omicron variant, and scientists in the United States and around the world are urgently examining vaccine effectiveness related to this variant.
Wallensky says she strongly encourages the 47 million adults who are not yet vaccinated to get vaccinated as soon as possible and to vaccinate the children and teens in their families as well because strong immunity will likely prevent serious illness.She also encourages people to get a COVID-19 test if they are sick. Increased testing will help us identify Omicron quickly.
And finally, to stop the spread of COVID-19 we need to follow the prevention strategies we know work which include masks and distancing.
